When to Plant Chinese Cabbage in Humboldt County, CA
Top priorities for Humboldt County, California gardeners in May
Your garden in Humboldt County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Start harvesting chinese cabbage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Chinese cabbage (Napa cabbage) forms elongated, barrel-shaped heads with tender, mild-flavored leaves. It is a staple in Asian cooking, particularly for kimchi.
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.
At an elevation of 148 feet, Humboldt County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chinese Cabbage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Humboldt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Humboldt County
How your county's soil matches Chinese Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Chinese Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Humboldt County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chinese Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Chinese Cabbage.
How to Plant Chinese Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chinese Cabbage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 03.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chinese Cabbage
Chinese Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chinese Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.5" | 6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.1" | 6.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.3" | 6.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Humboldt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chinese Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chinese Cabbage Planting Timeline — Humboldt County, CA
Chinese Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 22 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
274 days in Humboldt County
Growing Tips for Chinese Cabbage in Humboldt County
Direct sow Chinese Cabbage outdoors after February 27 in Humboldt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Humboldt County dries quickly — mulch Chinese Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Chinese Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Humboldt County receives only 22" of rain annually. Chinese Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop to avoid bolting. Start seeds indoors or direct sow in late summer. Keep soil consistently moist and provide shade in warm weather.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chinese Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chinese Cabbage in Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Chinese Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Humboldt County, CA?
Humboldt County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Humboldt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Humboldt County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.